Hurricane Bertha remnants could hit during RideLondon-Surrey

Cyclists could be riding through a number of puddles on Sunday (Image: Mirrorpix)

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Severe weather warnings are still in place for the south east on Sunday (August 10), with the remnants of Hurricane Bertha threatening to cause problems for RideLondon-Surrey cyclist.

While there was heavy rain on Friday night, there has been "increasing confidence" from the Met Office that what remains of the Atlantic storm will affect the UK - "though with very large uncertainty remaining over the track and the intensity".

A yellow weather warning is in place for Surrey and the rest of England.

The Met Office said on Friday that "southern parts of the UK look as though they are most at risk during Sunday", even going so far as to add: "Given the unseasonable nature of the weather, it could be sufficient to disrupt transport and make outdoor activities dangerous."

Chief forecaster Paul Gundersen said: "There is still some uncertainty surrounding this weekend's weather, with the potential for heavy rainfall, strong coastal winds and large waves on Sunday.

"However, there is still a chance that the system may pass to the south of the country, giving the UK a brighter day.

"Rain and strong winds may well bring disruption, especially across southern parts of the UK with the potential for more than 50mm of rain and coastal gusts of over 60mph.”

Met Office tracking forecast for Friday August 8

The storm is moving away from the western side of the Atlantic, after hitting the Caribbean islands with gusts of more than 90mph (145kph), leaving thousands of homes without power.

The Met Office has also warned there could be more than 50mm of rainfall.

For the tens of thousands of cyclists set to make their way through the county in RideLondon-Surrey on Sunday, the rain and colder temperatures can alter their hydration strategy.

Humidity can affect cyclists' performance over longer distances and endurance events - if it is humid, it can affect the rider's ability to control their body temperature.

Rain reduces cyclists' grip on the roads, particularly as road bikes have such thin tyres. Some cyclists may consider adjusting tyre pressures slightly in wet weather to obtain more grip, while winds can also make it harder for cyclists.

Hugh Brasher, Prudential RideLondon event director, said: "A number of riders have been asking about the weather conditions on Sunday.

"As always with the British weather, it’s subject to huge change.

"We continue to monitor the weather situation and have numerous contingencies in place for inclement weather.

"We recommend, and have messaged to riders throughout the last six months, that they should ensure their bikes are properly prepared and they are suitably clothed for whatever the British weather may bring."